The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts through the air, wrapping itself around you like a warm hug. Few things compare to the bliss of a classic chocolate chip cookie, especially one that’s soft and chewy, with gooey bites of chocolate cascading in every direction. This recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies | Classic Soft Chewy Cookies is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a perfect way to indulge your sweet cravings. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create something truly delightful that rivals any bakery treat.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies | Classic Soft Chewy Cookies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Chocolate Chip Cookies | Classic Soft Chewy Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies | Classic Soft Chewy Cookies

I remember the first time I baked these cookies, the excitement in the kitchen as the dough was formed into buttery balls and the sweet anticipation as they baked to golden perfection. There’s just something incredibly rewarding about mixing simple pantry staples into a batch of cookies that taste like pure childhood joy. Packed with the right balance of sweetness and that rich, comforting flavor, these cookies are bound to bring a smile to your face. So, let’s get started on your new favorite cookie recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up a batch in just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of baking!
Irresistible Flavor: Soft, chewy cookies bursting with semi-sweet chocolate chips will be treat your taste buds can’t resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Golden-brown edges and a slightly under-baked center make these cookies look as good as they taste.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for cookie platters, everyday snacks, or even as a breakfast treat alongside your morning coffee!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily customize with dark chocolate chips, nuts, or even a touch of sea salt for that gourmet twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
1 teaspoon baking soda: This gives the cookies a lovely rise and light texture.
1 tablespoon corn starch: This secret ingredient keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
½ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract adds warmth and depth; it’s worth using the good stuff!
¾ cup unsalted butter: Melted and cooled just until opaque, this provides richness. Use unsalted to control the final salt level in your cookies.
1 cup brown sugar: This adds moisture and chewy texture due to its molasses content.
½ cup granulated sugar: Offers sweetness and gives the cookies a slight crunch on the edges.
1 egg, room temperature: Helps bind everything together and creates a rich texture.
1 egg yolk, room temperature: This extra yolk adds tenderness and richness to your cookies.
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: These are the stars of the show! You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for different flavors.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies | Classic Soft Chewy Cookies

Whisk Together Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ¾ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled until opaque), 1 cup brown sugar, and ½ cup granulated sugar for about two minutes. This combination helps the sugar dissolve and blend perfectly with the butter, creating a creamy base.

Add Vanilla and Eggs: Next, whisk in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 egg, and an extra egg yolk until the mixture becomes light and creamy. This step infuses your dough with a lovely flavor while the egg yolk helps achieve that chewy texture.

Combine Dry Ingredients: Slowly fold in 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon corn starch, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix just until combined so the flour doesn’t overwork and the cookies maintain that soft center and crisp edges.

Stir in Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; we want those chips delicately nestled within the cookie goodness.

Scoop and Chill: Using about ¼ cup of dough per cookie, scoop out round balls and roll them smooth in your hands. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour or the freezer for 30 minutes. Chilling is crucial because it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Preheat Your Oven: While the cookie dough chills, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This lower temperature ensures that the cookies bake evenly, allowing for that soft, gooey center.

Bake the Cookies: Arrange the chilled cookie dough balls about 3 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown while the center still appears slightly underbaked; this will keep them chewy.

Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps set the cookies and enhances those beautiful textures.

Storing & Reheating

Once your cookies have cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you have leftovers (a hard thing to come by), feel free to refrigerate them for up to a week in a resealable bag. Want to keep them fresh even longer? Freeze individual cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a 350°F oven for around 5 minutes or microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Always use room temperature eggs for easier incorporation into the dough.
Measure your flour correctly; too much can make your cookies dry. Spoon flour into the cup and level it off with a knife for the best results.
Consider adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a delightful flavor contrast.
If you’re short on time, skip the chilling step, but you may end up with slightly flatter cookies.
For a lovely flavor boost, double the vanilla extract—because who says more isn’t better?

There’s something undeniably magical about baking cookies. As you blend the ingredients and watch them transform in the oven, you realize it’s not just about the end product; it’s the joyful process that brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Enjoy each bite of these Chocolate Chip Cookies | Classic Soft Chewy Cookies, and don’t hesitate to switch things up to make them your own. Remember, even the slightest tweak can turn a simple cookie into a family favorite.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, you can explore milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Even white chocolate chips or a mix of nuts would create delightful variations.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Cookies tend to spread if the dough is too warm or if there’s too much butter. Make sure your butter is cooled and try chilling the dough longer before baking. This helps them retain their thick shape.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Certainly! You can prepare the cookie dough and chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, you can portion the dough into balls, freeze them, and bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes!

How can I achieve the perfect chewy texture?

The key to a chewy cookie is a combination of butter, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Ensure you don’t overmix the dough, and be sure to slightly under-bake the cookies so they stay soft in the center.